The Best Thermal Gloves
When temperatures drop, our extremities are often the first to feel the chill. If you need to keep your digits moving in the cold, there's no better way to do it than with a pair of thermal gloves. These warming wonders will keep your hands warm even in extremely frigid temperatures. And thanks to the wonders of modern materials, you won't have to weigh yourself down with heavy fabrics in the process. We've gathered this list of some of the best on the market today, so take a look.
What to Look For
Keep your finger on the pulse when judging these contenders with three key features in mind: thickness, flexibility, and grip. If you’re looking for a pair of insulating gloves ideally suited to manual work in the cold, you can’t beat the pair offered by Carhartt. Their nitrile grip offers a firm hold on surfaces wet and dry, and you’re sure to stay warm under their knit thermal liner. If you’re looking for the best insulation, check out Kingsbom’s thick waterproof gloves, which are lined with toasty Thinsulate fabric. Read on below to discover the rest of our top thermal gloves.
Carhartt Thermal Dip Glove
Elbow grease
Carhartt has been leading the charge in the manufacture of practical and reliable workwear for over a century, so it is probably no surprise that they top the list here. Yes, these sturdy mitts will keep your digits warm under their seamless knit thermal liner, but what’s more, they provide an excellent grip thanks to the tough, full-coverage nitrile exterior. They’re the ideal choice for busy-bodies working outdoors during the chillier months.
Pros:
- The nylon and spandex-blended inner makes these more flexible than most thermal gloves, so these are a natural choice when fine motor control is of the essence.
- The excellent traction on the gloves’ exterior will give you a firm grip on both wet and dry surfaces.
Cons:
- The sticky nitrile coating can become cumbersome when operating handlebars or ski equipment.
Kingsbom -40ºF Waterproof Thermal Gloves
No compromise
When facing the most perilous chill, we might be willing to compromise a little on mobility to save our fingers from prolonged discomfort. These thick thermal gloves prioritize warmth above all else, with a thick insulating lining crafted from multiple layers of Thinsulate material. This smart fabric works wonders without the excess padding of fleece or the like, so you’ll still be able to get those fingers moving when action strikes.
Pros:
- Thinsulate fabric is also supremely breathable compared to other insulating materials, so you’re less likely to break a sweat inside.
- The waterproof and moisture-repellent exterior of these gloves will keep your hands dry whether you’re facing rain or snow.
- Thanks to the high traction of the silica gel printed grip, these gloves offer a good grip on almost any surface
Cons:
- Though these gloves are certainly powerful insulators, we’re not sure that they would offer full protection at -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nike Thermal Running Gloves
Full speed ahead
If you’ve managed to persist with your outdoor workouts as the sunsets draw earlier and temperatures drop, credit to you. Exercising in the cold can sometimes be a frustrating affair. In order to strike the perfect balance between keeping warm and ending up a sweaty mess, it pays to look for lightweight and breathable solutions. These thermal running gloves from the sportswear giants Nike hit the nail on the head. That’s largely thanks to the sleek form and moisture-wicking fabric that will keep you feeling fresh all the way to the finish line.
Pros:
- The light grip lining the inside of these gloves also makes them a natural choice for ball games.
- With these thick cuffs, there’s little risk of these gloves shifting their position during wear.
Cons:
- This thin polyester is a little more prone to wear and tear than thicker materials.
Moreok 3M Thinsulate Warm Gloves
Handlebar companion
When facing a chill on a bicycle, it can be a tricky task to keep your hands warm. When cycling in the cold, one faces the combined need for manual dexterity with the necessity of keeping your hands still for prolonged periods, which can make it tricky to find appropriate gloves for the job. Thankfully, Moreok have you covered with these lightweight mitts. Lined with 3M Thinsulate, they’ll keep your digits toast and ready to respond to gear shifts or rapid breaking action when the moment strikes.
Pros:
- This toasty number doesn’t only rely on Thinsulate fabric for its warming power — you’ll also enjoy the soft snugness of 140 grams of cotton.
- The conductive fabric coating on the thumb and index fingers of each hand means you won’t have to take these gloves off to operate your smartphone screen.
Cons:
- These gloves provide superb mobility compared to those with a thicker lining, but they won’t keep you quite as warm as most ski-style options as a result.
Spring Electric Heating Gloves
Power up
When insulation isn’t enough, it’s time to turn to the wonders of electric heating gloves. These fiery fiends from Spring do exactly what they say on the tin, with a 4.5-volt carbon fiber heating element nestled inside both gloves to deliver a cozy 95 degrees Fahrenheit to the span of each entire hand. Whether you’re facing the harshest environs or are just unwilling to compromise on anything but warmth, these nifty gloves are sure to keep you snug.
Pros:
- The waterproof coating will keep you dry in rain and snow, protecting the internal electronics from moisture in the process.
- Their heating power could be especially useful for those suffering from arthritis or poor circulation.
Cons:
- Batteries don’t come included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I need to wash my gloves?
If you plan on getting your hands dirty, your thermal mitts might need cleaning from time to time. It might not be as simple as throwing them into a regular laundry load, though, as these layered fabrics can be easily damaged if exposed to the wrong conditions. Be sure to read the label and follow manufacturer guidance to avoid risking disappointment on laundry day.
Are these gloves suitable for snowy conditions?
If your thermal gloves are lined with a waterproof coating, they’ll be well-suited to dealing with light snow coverage. Some options designed with snow in mind also feature a repellent coating that will prevent frosty chunks from sticking to your hands after contact. If you’ll need to get a grip in icy conditions, be sure to check the traction design on the gloves grip, as some are more suited to wet or icy conditions.
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